It has already been a remarkable year for Mr Allingham, who is the sole survivor of the 1916 Battle of Jutland.

In March he received an upgraded Legion d'Honneur from the French ambassador in London and was made the first honorary lifetime member of the Royal Naval Association (RNA).

He was also presented with a doctorate in engineering from Southampton Solent University and was made an honorary freeman of his home city of Brighton and Hove in April.

Mr Goodwin, a long-time friend of Mr Allingham and a founder of the First World War Veterans' Association, said of his expected reaction: "He withdraws in himself and he chews it over like he does all the things he has done in his life.

"That's his secret I think."

Mr Allingham, whose life has spanned three centuries and six monarchs, has five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild.